FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:


How to I Use a Fire Extinguisher?

Even though extinguishers come in a number of shapes and
sizes, they all operate in a similar manner.


Here's an easy acronym for fire extinguisher use:


P. A. S. S. -- Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep


1. Pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher that keeps the handle from being accidentally pressed.


2. Aim the nozzle toward the base of the fire.


3. Stand approximately 8 feet away from the fire and squeeze the handle to discharge the extinguisher. If you release the handle, the discharge will stop.


4. Sweep the nozzle back and forth at the base of the fire. After the fire appears to be out, watch it carefully since it may re-ignite


What are the Fire Extinguisher Ratings?

1. Class A Extinguishers - will put out fires in ordinary combustibles, such as wood and paper. The numerical rating for this class of fire extinguisher refers to the amount of water the
fire extinguisher holds and the amount of fire it will extinguish.


2. Class B Extinguishers - should be used on fires involving flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline, oil, etc. The numerical rating for this class of fire extinguisher states the approximate
number of square feet of a flammable liquid fire that a non-expert person can expect to extinguish.


3. Class C Extinguishers - are suitable for use on electrically energized fires. This class of fire
extinguishers does not have a numerical rating. The presence of the letter “C” indicates that the extinguishing agent is non-conductive.


4. Class D Extinguishers - are designed for use on flammable metals and are often specific for the type of metal in question. There is no picture designator for Class D extinguishers.
These extinguishers generally have no rating nor are they given a multi-purpose rating for use on other types of fires.


Can One Fire Extinguisher be used for Multi-Purpose?

Many extinguishers available today can be used on different types of fires and will be labeled with more than one designator, e.g. A-B, B-C, or A-B-C. Make sure that if you have a multi-purpose extinguisher it is properly labeled.


What are the Types of Fire Extinguishers?

1. Dry Chemical extinguishers- are usually rated for multiple purpose use. They contain an extinguishing agent and use a compressed, non-flammable gas as a propellant.


2. Halon extinguishers - contain a gas that interrupts the chemical reaction that takes place when fuels burn. These types of extinguishers are often used to protect valuable electrical equipment since them leave no residue to clean up. Halon extinguishers have a limited range, usually 4 to 6 feet. The initial application of Halon should be made at the base of the fire, even after the flames have been extinguished.


3. Water - These extinguishers contain water and compressed gas and should only be used on Class A (ordinary combustibles) fires.


4. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extinguishers - are most effective on Class B and C (liquids and electrical) fires. Since the gas disperses quickly, these extinguishers are only effective from 3 to 8 feet. The carbon dioxide is stored as a compressed liquid in the extinguisher; as it expands, it cools the surrounding air. The cooling will often cause ice to form around the “horn” where the gas is expelled from the extinguisher. Since the
fire could re-ignite, continue to apply the agent even after the fire appears to be out.